Conflict over stolen power cables led to Sohag's murder, not for any political motive: DMP
It was not extortion in that sense but rather a business conflict, Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) SN Md Nazrul Islam says
Scrap trader Lal Chand alias Md Sohag was brutally murdered in Old Dhaka's Mitford Hospital area due to a dispute over stolen power cables, not for any political reason, according to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).
Speaking at a press briefing at the DMP Media Center today (16 July), DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali said, "Anyone can have a political identity. Any citizen can be a member or a leader of a political party.
"But that is a different matter. This incident has no political connection."
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At the briefing, Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) SN Md Nazrul Islam revealed that Sohag had previously operated a business under the political cover of Haji Selim's nephew, former commissioner Pillu, during the Awami League regime.
"For 17 years, Sohag had been involved in dealing with stolen aluminium wires from the Palli Bidyut network and selling those to factories producing aluminium utensils," he said.
Nazrul further said, "A shift in local power dynamics on 5 August changed Sohag's position, leading him to realign his business interests. At the same time, another group got involved in a similar trade, creating rivalry between the two sides who were previously acquainted."
In response to a question about extortion, the officer said, "It was not extortion in that sense but rather a business conflict."
When asked if the murder was part of a plan to disrupt the upcoming election, he said, "There was no attempt to disrupt the election or embarrass the government through this killing. It was purely due to personal and business disputes," he said.
"The person who was seen throwing a stone at Sohag was initially unrecognised, but a special police team later confirmed his identity and arrested him from Patuakhali on Tuesday night," he said at a press conference at the DMP Media Centre.
The DMP commissioner also said nine people have so far been arrested in connection with the murder, reports UNB.
"Efforts are underway to arrest the remaining suspects," he added.
He assured that all those involved in the murder would be brought to justice and given exemplary punishment to prevent such incidents in the future.
